Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert is convinced his side will eventually find the back of the net on a more regular basis despite drawing another blank in the 0-0 home draw with Stoke.

Villa have netted only 12 times in 16 Barclays Premier League games and even the reintroduction of Darren Bent as a second-half substitute failed to spark a breakthrough against the Potters.

Lambert said: "Look, I want to win, it's as simple as that, and on another day we might have got one or two goals and restricted Stoke to one real chance. It (the goals tally) is something I'm not actually overly worried about because I know it will come."

When asked if Bent's inclusion would improve the situation, Lambert said: "The team will. It's not just about one individual, it's about the whole team.

"There never has been a problem (with Bent) from day one. As I've said before, I just try and pick a team to win. That's what I try to do, it's my job."

Stoke boss Tony Pulis was unhappy with some of referee Roger East's decisions, including the dismissal of defender Ryan Shotton for two yellow card offences.

Replays showed Shotton made no contact with Villa substitute Fabian Delph in the incident which led to his second booking but Pulis was also unhappy after a first-half challenge by Villa defender Ciaran Clark on Stoke midfielder Glenn Whelan went unpunished.

He said: "As regards the Shotton red card, I've just looked at the incident and we are very disappointed. I was also disappointed with the challenge in the first half (by Clark) and the way that was dealt with.

"When you see a lad getting sent off for two bookables which you can't appeal against, it is very hard to take.

"You look at the incidents and decide what you think. I don't want to get in trouble again. It has cost me enough money over my career! You can't appeal two yellow cards which I find amazing."